David Bailey - Ballarat Photography

Couples ask me if I still shoot film. The short answer is yes. The longer answer is that I absolutely love it.

There’s something magical about loading a roll of film into my 1960’s Hasselblad. It slows me down. It makes me think about light, composition and timing in a way that digital cameras sometimes rush past. Every click of the shutter sounds amazing and every frame matters.

Film isn’t perfect, but that’s part of its beauty! Sometimes a blink, a blur, or a misjudged focus slips in. Other times you get an image so rich and timeless it almost feels like it shouldn’t exist in today’s world. Couples who add film to their wedding photography are really saying they want a piece of history woven into their story.

I develop and scan all film locally at my camera store in Ballarat – Obscura Cameras. It’s hands-on, personal and cared for every step of the way. The results sit beautifully next to digital images in your wedding gallery, giving a unique texture and mood that can’t be replicated.

Film is offered as an add-on to any wedding package:

• 1 roll – $98
• 3 rolls – $294
• 5 rolls – $490
  
  

Some couples keep it small, others want their entire day captured on film. However you choose, film photography brings a timeless quality that only grows more special with the years.

If you’d like to chat about adding film to your wedding, come by my Camera Shop/Studio. I’d love to show you my Hasselblad and a few finished rolls. Once you hold a print from film, you’ll see why I still keep this art alive.

Spring’s just started & while the weather’s usually amazing for the next few months, Ballarat’s known for changing almost hourly. Perfect one moment, raining or even hailing the next.

If your Big Day runs into bad weather, what can you do?

After photographing over 150 weddings, I know a backup plan’s super important. Ask your photographer if they’ve got ideas, or take a drive & explore our town ahead of time. Ballarat’s full of character-filled spots that work beautifully when the rain sets in.

BALLARAT TRAIN STATION
With its grand heritage architecture, high ceilings & sheltered platforms, the station gives your photos a timeless feel. Step onto the heritage bridge that spans the train tracks for another striking backdrop. The ironwork & vantage point create depth. Time it right & we can let a train roll past, using a little flash with shutter drag to capture movement behind you.

MAIR STREET TUNNELS

These hidden little gems bring an urban edge with brick textures, moody lighting & shelter from the rain.

UNDERGROUND CARPARK
Not what most expect, but the clean lines, reflections from puddles & dramatic lighting make for striking modern shots.

YOUR FAVOURITE CAFE

Sometimes the best photos come from personal spots. Popping into your regular café (with permission from the owners) gives you natural, candid moments plus a coffee to warm up.

BALLAAT ART GALLERY

Australia’s oldest regional art gallery has heritage staircases, grand interiors & timeless architecture. It’s elegant, sheltered & offers a unique backdrop when the weather outside isn’t playing nice.

BALLARAT MECHANICS INSTITUTE

This historic building has gorgeous heritage details & spacious interiors that make it an excellent wet-weather option. The mix of classic architecture & character-filled rooms adds charm to your photos.

EMBRACE THE WEATHER

If you’re up for it, a few umbrella shots outside or puddle reflections in the rain can be fun, authentic & unforgettable.

Planning a Ballarat wedding & worried about the weather? Let’s create a plan that makes your photos stunning, no matter what the skies decide to do.